Ajax signs Ricardo Kip

Ajax has signed youth player Ricardo Kip. He was born on March 15, 1992, in Zoetermeer. The midfielder has been playing with Ajax’s youth development program since 2003. He has signed a contract which runs until June 30, 2012. It’s expected that Kip will be part of Jong Ajax’s selection next season.

On Monday, Ricardo Kip signed his first Ajax contract in the presence of his parents, two brothers, and grandfather. “This is a great moment”, beamed Kip after signing. “This is amazing, it’s made my day.”

General Manager Rik van den Boog referred to it as a ‘special moment’. “I’m very pleased. There’s no doubt that you can play. You need to be very good to get a contract with Ajax. But be aware that it won’t all be easy. Sometimes you’ll be a substitute, sometimes you won’t play, and so on. Make sure that you’re mentally prepared.”

Youth players are making it into the first team faster than even a few seasons ago. “Six youth players have made their debut in the first team this season”, said van den Boog. “When Ajax starts to prepare for the new season in June, five youth players will train with the first team.”

Kip also realised that things can move fast, and is preparing for it. “I’m not so worried about that. I’ve been working towards this moment my whole life. And the time has finally come. I’m preparing myself very well, doing more for myself, being even more professional. I’m going to continue to train during my holidays.”

Kip has had a successful season. We became Dutch champion with the A1 team. Last weekend, he won the prestigious Gestion Copa Amsterdam Tournament with the top Ajax team from the youth development. His first contact with Ajax makes his season complete. “It’s amazing. I couldn’t have asked for a better end.”

Just like every other youth player, he dreams of playing in the Amsterdam ArenA. Kip has actually stood on the field. “I was allowed to keep up in the ArenA.” And he had a picture taken with his idol: Wesley Sneijder. “I’m the same kind of player. I look for the open spaces and can kick well. I want to go just as far as Sneijder”, says Kip with a grin.